La Laguna’s New Regulation Marks a Transformative Era in Citizen Involvement

On November 6th, the La Laguna City Council took a monumental step towards enhancing local governance by approving a new Organic Regulation on Citizen Participation. This initiative is set to reshape the landscape of civic engagement in the municipality, providing residents with the tools and opportunities to actively participate in the democratic process.

Revitalizing Civic Engagement

The newly approved regulation is designed to establish effective channels for citizen engagement, promoting participatory budgets and empowering residents to take a more active role in public affairs. This significant move comes after more than three decades without any regulatory updates, marking a pivotal moment for the evolution of local democracy in La Laguna.

The proposal garnered overwhelming support during the council meeting, with no opposing votes recorded, highlighting a strong consensus among council members about the importance of this initiative. Following this provisional approval, a public consultation period has been initiated, allowing citizens and relevant entities to provide feedback before the regulation is finalized and officially ratified.

Transforming Outdated Practices

Prior to this development, La Laguna operated under outdated procedures rooted in customs established in 1993, which lacked a formal regulatory framework for citizen participation. The new regulation introduces a modern and stable structure designed to facilitate genuine citizen involvement in decision-making processes. This transformation is not merely procedural; it represents a fundamental shift towards a more inclusive governance model.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez emphasized the significance of this regulation, describing it as a crucial step towards enhancing the municipality’s democratic quality. He noted that the regulation was developed through a process of consensus and active listening, fostering a closer and more transparent relationship between the administration and the public. This collaborative approach underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of citizens are heard and valued.

Empowering Citizens with New Tools

According to Fran Hernández, the Councillor for Citizen Participation, the new regulation not only enjoys institutional support but also reflects the active involvement of local entities and associations. These groups contributed their insights and commitment throughout the development process, ensuring that the regulation is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the community. Hernández acknowledged the extensive efforts made by both citizen groups and the technical and legal departments of the City Council, emphasizing that La Laguna has a rich tradition of participation that this regulation aims to preserve and enhance.

The regulation introduces several innovative tools for citizen involvement, including popular initiatives, public hearings, and citizen consultations. One of the standout features is the participatory budgeting process, which allows residents to propose and vote on municipal projects to be funded. This initiative transforms participation from a mere concept into a structured practice that is directly linked to governance, enabling residents to have a tangible impact on the allocation of public resources.

Moreover, the regulation updates the operations of District Boards, Sectoral Councils, and the Citizen Participation Council. It enhances transparency and the public’s right to access information through the establishment of a Citizen Participation Portal. This portal will enable residents to track ongoing participatory processes, ensuring that they remain informed and engaged in the decision-making that affects their lives.

Hernández also paid tribute to his predecessor, Yaiza López Landi, for her foundational work in the early stages of the participatory process, describing it as thorough and collaborative. He noted that the regulation embodies the contributions of many individuals and groups, reflecting a collective effort to improve civic engagement in La Laguna.

The proposed regulation will now be subject to public exposure, allowing for further contributions and feedback from the community before it is finalized by the council. This step is crucial in ensuring that the regulation is not only comprehensive but also truly representative of the community’s needs and desires.

Key points

• La Laguna City Council approved a new Organic Regulation on Citizen Participation on November 6th.
• The regulation aims to enhance citizen engagement and participatory budgeting.
• This marks the first regulatory update in over 30 years for the municipality.
• The proposal received unanimous support with no opposing votes.
• Public consultation is now open for feedback before final approval.
• The regulation introduces tools like public hearings and citizen consultations.
• It aims to strengthen the relationship between the administration and residents.